I work mostly with 1st & 2nd generation Asian-American millennials seeking support for self esteem and relationship issues, career burnout, challenging family dynamics, and greater self-understanding. One of the most important things to know when you are struggling is that you are not alone. As the biracial daughter of Chinese and Irish immigrant parents, I'm familiar with the nuances in balancing Asian family systems & the immigrant experience.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
As a licensed yoga instructor & EMDR practitioner, I go beyond traditional talk therapy to utilize mindfulness and somatic exercises that work to soothe the nervous system for a greater sense of wellbeing. I offer a non-judgmental safe space to help you foster self-awareness, self-compassion, and build upon your strengths to overcome life challenges. Whether we use cognitive-based skills to recognize and challenge unhelpful 'all or nothing' thought patterns, or mindfulness skills to manage feelings of overwhelm that arise from life stressors, my clients are often looking for tangible solutions to their present problems. We work towards breaking free of limiting patterns from the past while honoring and celebrating cultural values.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I started my career working in marketing for Bay Area tech start-ups (and liked it very much!), but I was always meant for the therapy world. As the daughter of Chinese and Irish immigrants and the only American-born in my family, I have a broad lens of the world that invites contradictions, ambiguity, and a lot of cultural juggling. My graduate studies in social work closely aligned with my values and beliefs that all people should be treated with respect and compassion. It is also important to understand how larger systemic issues affect individuals on the level of workplaces and personal relationships. I completed my licensure training at a community health center, working in adult substance use programs and trauma-informed integrative counseling.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, or lost, know that you’re not alone. The past few years have brought rapid change, uncertainty and loss for so many. I work with adults and teens who are facing mental health challenges relating to a variety of issues, including life transitions, anxiety and depression, relationships, grief and loss, self esteem, careers, and schooling. I customize the best approach in therapy for each individual, drawing from CBT, DBT, family systems, EMDR, and mindfulness; I'm also trained in reiki and pranic healing. Some clients come to their first session seeking immediate grounding and coping skills. Some are confronting issues at work or in their relationship, and we focus up front on a solution-focused approach. These concerns eventually (and importantly!) include family system exploration to develop insight into past patterns showing up in the present.
About Lorna Khoo
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is foundational to my approach. We addresses not just what you are thinking, but how you are thinking. Identifying and challenging the inner critic or negative thought patterns can make a major difference in mental health challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I frequently use DBT skills that encourage mindfulness and build distress tolerance for overwhelming emotions. DBT also includes assertive communication and boundary-setting, which can help transform your relationships.
Trauma Informed Care
My background and training is in trauma-informed care. Each person carries with them the emotional pain of not just their inner child, but their family history. I create a safe and supportive environment that recognizes the impact of trauma on an individual's life. This involves employing principles such as safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
Multicultural
As a biracial (Chinese/Irish) therapist, respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and identities is the foundation of my practice. This involves understanding how culture shapes beliefs, values, communication styles, and coping mechanisms. I conduct a family history during intake that lays the foundation to a culturally-sensitive approach.
EMDR
I use EMDR to treat trauma and anxiety. In an EMDR session, I guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation (usually butterfly tapping). typically by following the therapist's finger movements with their eyes, or using alternate forms such as hand taps or auditory tones. While engaging in this bilateral stimulation, the client recalls distressing memories or experiences associated with trauma. The process helps desensitize from emotional distress and integrate challenging memories in a healthier way.